For patients and families

What is Health and Medical Research?

Health and medical research are studies that provide information about health and disease. Medical research investigates many areas of health and medicine and aims to answer questions that clinicians and health professionals do not know, such as how the human body fights off disease, why we get sick, and how can we prevent people from getting sick.

How long does a research study last?

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The length of a research study differs. Some studies can take months, while others can take years or even decades. This time depends on a range of factors that can include:

  1. How the data is collected – Are they using a survey? Is there an interview involved? Will there be a physical examination every few weeks?
  2. Ethics
  3. Funding.

If you are participating in a study, the Participant Information Sheet that you receive will include information about the duration of the study. If you have any questions, it is always best to contact the investigator that is managing the project.

What information does a Participant Information Sheet (PIS) include?

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The Participant Information Sheet (PIS) is a sheet that includes all relevant information about the study. This information will usually include:

  • What is involved for the participant
  • The purpose of the research
  • Possible benefits and risks
  • Duration of the project
  • Withdrawing from a research project
  • Contact details for further information or complaints.

Contact details that will be provided on the PIS  will include the Principal Investigator (PI) and the Human Research Ethics Office.

For Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District-run projects, you can alternatively contact the Research Office on 4253 4800.

Biobank - collecting tissue and blood samples for research

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What is a Biobank?

A Biobank is a service that collects biological samples, such as tissue and blood.

The CONCERT Biobank collects:

  • Tissue and/or blood from patients diagnosed with cancer.
  • Patient information, for example, your name, age and gender.
  • Some details about your medical history

What is the purpose of a Biobank?

A biobank, like the CONCERT Biobank, provides researchers much-needed samples for vital research into the prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

Why is the CONCERT Biobank important?

The CONCERT Biobank is important because we hope the research you assist with could ultimately help future generations of Australians survive and beat cancer.

More information about the CONCERT Biobank